Description
A hearty, healthy, and cozy vegetable masterpiece. This Easy Minestrone Soup is the ultimate one-pot wonder for busy weeknights, packed with vibrant produce, protein-rich beans, and tender pasta. Every spoonful is a celebration of rustic, garden-fresh flavor, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that tastes even better the next day. It is pure, soul-warming comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, sliced into half-moons
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
6 cups high-quality low-sodium vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups chopped fresh zucchini
1 cup small shell or ditalini pasta
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup smoked beef bits (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and smoked beef bits (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, chickpeas, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Add the pasta and zucchini to the pot. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
Notes
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Note: Pasta tends to absorb broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating for best results.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg